The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year as it provides collectors their first cards of the game’s top rookie players. While performance on the field ultimately determines which rookies emerge as the biggest stars, the rookie cards found in Series 1 are often some of the most valuable cards in a given year. With another exciting rookie class coming up in 2023, here are some of the top rookies to watch for when the new Topps cards are released.
Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles (C): As the top prospect in baseball, Rutschman made his MLB debut in 2022 and quickly established himself as the future star catcher in Baltimore. His prospect pedigree and early MLB success make his rookie card a lock to be one of the most sought after in the set. Rutschman hit .254 with 5 home runs in 50 games in 2022 and will be a centerpiece player for the Orioles moving forward.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals (SS): The number two overall pick in 2019, Witt wasted no time reaching the majors in 2022 and had a strong rookie campaign. He hit .256 with 20 home runs and stole 30 bases, showing all five tools. As the highest drafted position player to debut in 2022, Witt’s rookie card will be a popular one for Royals collectors and flippers alike.
Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers (1B): After being taken first overall in 2020, Torkelson also made his MLB debut in 2022. He struggled at the plate, hitting just .197, but his pedigree and potential keep his rookie card highly valuable. Torkelson has a beautiful left-handed swing and hit 38 home runs across two minor league levels in 2021. With adjustments, he could become the masher the Tigers hope for.
Julio Rodriguez – Seattle Mariners (OF): Rodriguez exploded onto the scene in 2022 with a huge second half, finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. He hit .284 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases, displaying five-tool ability. At just 21 years old, Rodriguez looks like a budding superstar and his rookie card will be one of the most sought after cards in the set due to his early success.
Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates (SS): Standing an incredible 6-foot-7, Cruz is a physical specimen with huge raw power. He hit .233 in 35 games after debuting late in 2022 but showed why he has such tantalizing upside by hitting 4 homers. His enormous frame generating power from the left side is must-see TV. Cruz may need more development, but his rookie card will be popular due to his immense tools.
Seiya Suzuki – Chicago Cubs (OF): Arguably the biggest international signing of 2022, Suzuki came over from Japan and hit .262 with 14 home runs in his rookie season. While his production tapered off in the second half, Suzuki has a beautiful left-handed swing and should be a consistent middle-of-the-order bat for the Cubs. His international pedigree adds intrigue to his rookie card.
Matt Brash – Seattle Mariners (SP): Acquired by Seattle in a trade, Brash made a strong MLB debut by posting a 3.19 ERA in 12 starts down the stretch. His four-pitch mix is headlined by a mid-90s fastball and hard slider, giving him closer-like stuff as a starter. At just 23 years old, Brash has ace potential and the Mariners will likely give him a rotation spot in 2023.
Griffin Jax – Minnesota Twins (SP): Jax finally made his MLB debut in 2022 at age 27 after being drafted in 2016. He showed why he was worth the wait by posting a 3.47 ERA in 13 starts. Jax has a power four-pitch mix and his late breakout adds to the intrigue in his rookie card. As a homegrown Twins prospect, he’ll have plenty of collector interest as well.
Michael Harris II – Atlanta Braves (OF): Harris skipped over Double-A entirely and hit .297 with 19 home runs in just 111 games as a 21-year-old rookie. He immediately became an everyday player in a loaded Braves outfield and looks like a future star. Harris may end up being one of the steals of the 2023 rookie class based on his early success and potential.
Oneil Cruz and Adley Rutschman appear to be the favorites to have the most valuable rookie cards in the 2023 Topps set based on their prospect pedigree and MLB success so far. Breakout seasons from the likes of Torkelson, Brash or Harris could vault their rookies to the top of collector want lists as well. With another exciting rookie class on the horizon, the 2023 Topps set is primed to include many valuable rookie cards that could become long-term keepers in collections.
